Fabric folding and pressing machine



March 30, 1954 Filed May 26 1951 J. SILVERMAN FABRIC FOLDING AND PRESSING MACHINE 2 Sheets-Sheet l 52 f2 542 .f al j;

March 30" 1954 J, 5|| VERMAN 2,673,666

FABRIC FOLDING AND PRESSING MACHINE Filed May 26, 1951 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 www Patented Mar. 30, 1954 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE FABRIC FOLDING AND PRESSING MACHINE Jacob Silverman, Brooklyn, N. Y.

Application May 26, 1951, Serial No. 228,495

33 Claims. 1

The present invention relates to improvements in a fabric folding and pressing machine which render the machine more effective and facilitates operation thereof. Viewed speciiically, the instant invention constitutes an improvement over the machine disclosed in my Patent No. 2,317,817 of April 27, 1943, entitled Fabric Edge-Folding and Pressing Device, but the broader aspects of my invention are applicable to machines differing widely therefrom.

Machines of the type under discussion are hand-operated and consequently the quantity and quality of their output depend to a signincant extent on the skill, alertness and endurance of the operator. Since a high rate of productivity is an industrial necessity, the machines must be made as foolproof as possible, in order that an operator may work rapidly without sacrice of accuracy. An important factor in this regard is the minimization of operator fatigue. A tired operator will work more slowly, and will make more mistakes, than one who is comparatively fresh.

One of the .primary advantages ofthe machine of my Patent No. 2,317,817 was that it required the use of but one hand and one foot of the operator in order to perform the folding and pressing functions for which it was devised, thus leaving one hand of the operator free to ensure proper alignment and orientation of the fabric sheet to be formed and pressed, and leaving both hands of the operator free while the pressing operation was being carried out, in order, for example, to procure neat fabric sheet to be worked upon and preliminariiy arrange it for the subsequent operation.

The machine of the instant invention performs all of the functions of the previously discussed machine, and in addition applies a properly directed and timed iet of steam to the fabric sheet Y' in order to produce a better pressing effect. This is accomplished with no increase in manipulating functions insofar as the operator is concerned. Indeed, as a special feature of the instant machine which greatly reduces operator fatigue, the operator no longer even has to exert pressure with his foot while the pressing operation is being carried out. A foot impulse initiates the pressing operation and a similar foot impulse terminates it, the machine being so designed as to automatically maintain the pressing operation between successive impulses. Moreover, certain modications of design have made the machine more flexible in operation, since it can now readily'be adjusted for use with fabrics of different I weights orthicknesses, or to control the strength with which the folding action is carried out on the fabric sheets.

The machine is simple, compact, and may be inexpensively manufactured and assembled. It is, however, positive in operation, easily adjusted, may be manipulated by operators with only a minimal amount of skill and training, is Well suited for production-line operation, provides for maximum safety, and requires very little effort to operate, thus leaving the mind and aptitude of the operator available for the achieving of speed and a high degree of accuracy.

To the accomplishment of the above, and to such other objects as may hereinafter appear, the present invention relates to the construction of a fabric folding and pressing machine as defined in the appended claims and as described in this specification taken together with the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a top plan view of a machine incorporating the invention and showing the parts of the device in the position they assume while a pressing operation is being carried out;

Fig. 2 is a side cross-sectional View thereof taken along the line 2--2 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a View similar to Fig. 2 but showing the parts in stand-by position;

Fig. 4 is a front cross-sectional view taken along the line 4--4 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a detail cross-sectional view taken along the line 5--5 of Fig. 3; and

Figs. 6 and 7 are detail side elevational views, partly broken away, of that portion of the mechaniszn mounted on the pivoted arm which controls the application of steam, the parts being shown in Fig. 6 in the .position they assume at the moment that steam is applied and Fig. 7 showing the parts in a different position, the steam flow being interrupted.

Broadly considered the machine of the present invention comprises a frame generally designated A on which a form B is mounted, the form being movable with respect to the frame to a position in which folding members C are movable over an edge or edges thereof in order to fold a fabric sheet therearound. A pressing member D is then adapted to press the fabric sheet against the form B while portions thereof are folded around said edge or edges of the form B, thus producing a permanent shaping and folding of the fabric sheet. A means'E is provided for moving the folding members C, and a means F is provided for moving the pressing member D. y

In -order toobviate'the necessity for the operator constantly to apply pressure to the pressing member D during the pressing operation, which may last an appreciable period of time, a means G is provided for locking the pressing member in operative pressing position and for releasing the pressing member from its operative pressing position when that is desired.

In addition, a steam feeding system generally designated H is provided which is so designed as to impart a directed jet of steam against those portions of the fabric sheet which are to be folded around the edge f the form B, preferably just before that folding operation is accomplished, in this way producing a more permanent and cleaner fold.

The pressing neinber D, when not in its operative position, assumes a nornal inoperative position the optimum spacing of which with respect to the folding members C will vary depending upon the material which is to be folded and the tightness of the fold desired. An adjustable mounting means generally designated J is provided for the pressing member D, in order that its normal inoperatire position may be readily and accurately controlled by the operator.

The frame A comprises a table 2 supported on legs 4 and having an opening S of a shape corresponding to that of the finished product. A form support, here shorn as an arm 8, is pirotally mounted at l0 on the rear of the frame A, a spring l2 secured at I 4 to the rear of tie frame A and at I6 to a rearrardly extending finger I8 fastened to the arm il, biasing the arm 8 so that it will normally assume an upwardly inclined position with respect to the table 2, as shot n in Fig. 3.

The form B comprises a plate 23 having the size and shape of the desired folded and pressed object, the size of the plate 26 being somewhat smaller than that of the opening 6 in the table 2 so as to be receivable through that opening. The plate is mounted on the arm El via adinetable brackets 22, and has a centrally located pad 24 attached to the top thereof, as by rivets 28, this pad having a central vertical aperture 2S leading to a plurality of radial passages 33 which extend outwardly to the edges of pad 24 and are oriented toward the front and side edges 32 of the plate 2S, it being around the edges 32 that the fabric sheet 34 is to be folded.

The steam feeding system H is also mounted on the arm S, that system including a steam inlet pipe 35 leading from any suitable steam supply source, and a conduit defined by tubes 33 and 4G leading from the inlet pipe 3B to the central ori ce 28 in the pad 2a. A normally closed valve 42 of any appropriate design is interposed between the tubes 38 and 4U, a plunger 44 projecting out therefrom and being spring-urged to eX- tended position, that position corresponding to the closing of the valve 42. If the plz'nger 44 be depressed, as in Fig. 6, the valve 42 will open and thus will permit steam to flow from the pipe 36 through the tubes 38 and 40, into the orice 28 in the pad 24, and then out through the radial passages 30 in the pad 2li, the outer extremities of the passages 'd thus constituting steam outlets which, it will be noted. are positioned close to and are oriented outwardly toward the front and side edges 32 of the form B around which the fabric sheet 34 is to be folded.

rihe form B is so mounted on the arm 8 that when the arm 8 is moved downwardly to a position substantially parallel to the table 2, the form B will pass through the opening 6 in the table 2.

In order to move the arm 8 to that horizontal position against the action of the spring l2, and for other purposes hereinafter set forth, a handle 45 is attached to lever 48 pivotally mounted at 5i! at the forward end of the arm 3, a spring 52 secured at 54 to the upper end of the lever i8 and at 5B to the arm 8 serving to bias the lever 48 and handle 46 to a position of counter-clockwise rotation as viewed in Figs. 2, 3, 6 and 7. A portion 58 of the lever 48 extends below the pivot point 50 for reasons explained below.

In order to actuate the steam valve 42, and thus automatically control and time the application of steam to the fabric sheet 34, a valve actuating linkage is mornted on the arm 8, that linkage being effective to open the valve only for a short period of time, only while the handle 43 is pivoting in a clockwise direction as viewed in Figs. 2, 3, 6 and '7, and only when said handle 46 is at a predetermined point between its extreme degrees of travel. This linkage comprises a rst element Eil pivotally mounted at 32 on bracket 54 and having face 6G which engages the tip of the plnger 44. The upper surface of the element @o defines a cam surface having a lower lever G8 and an uoper level l separated by an abrupt step '12. The element 6B normally assumas a substantially horizontal position by reason of its engagement with the plunger 44. that plunger being spring-urged outwardly as previously set forth.

The second element of the valve actuating linkage comprises a pair of arms 14 pivotally attached at 'i6 to the upper end of the lever 48 and biased downwardly by spring 18 fastened at 55 to the arm 8 and at 3D to the arms 74. The arms 'M extend rearwardly toward and encompass the first element 5D (see Fig. l), and a cam follower 8". is mo'nted between the arms i4 so as to be urged into engagement with the cam surface on the top of the element G0 by reason of the biasing action of the spring T8. rIhis spring is wears enough, in comparison with the force of the spring which urges the plunger 44 to extended position, so that the cam follower` 82 will normally ride on top of the cam surface on the element 6B without depressing that element.

However, when the handle 45 is pivoted in a clockwise direction with respect to the arm 8, the cam follower 82, in riding over the lower level 68 of t?? at cam surface, will come up against the abrupt step 12. In view of the abrupt nature of the step T2, any further motion of the handle 46 in a clockwise direction will cause the element Gil to become depressed and to pivot in a clockwise direction, thus pressing the plunger 34 inwardly, opening the Valve 42, and permitting steam to escape through the passages 38. (See Fig. 6.)

If the handle 46 is further moved in a clockwise direction relative to the arm 8, the cam follower 82 will move over the abrupt face 12 and onto the upper level 'lil of the cam surface. When this occurs, the predominance of the spring which presses the plunger 44 outwardly over the biasing spring 18 will again assert itself, the first element Gil will spring back to its horizontal position, the arms 'i4 will be lifted, and the valve 42 will close, thus shutting off the flow of steam. (See Fig. 7.) When the handle 4S is pivoted in a counter-clockwise direction, the cam follower 82 will ride over the upper level 'i6 of the cam surface, and then will drop down to the lower level 68- thereof. all without causing any motion of the `The folding membersv C comprise a pair of plates 84 partially overlapping at 851- and having inner edgesshaped to correspond to the-periphery ofthe form B, theseplates 94 being slidable beneath the table 2 between inoperative or withdrawn positions shown in Fig. 3 and. operative or projected positions shown, in Figs. 1 and 2. In the former positionthey permit the forni B to pass down through the aperture 6 in the table 2 past their own inner edges, and in the latter position-they overlap the edges 32 of the form B around which the fabric sheet 34 is to be folded, so as to achieve that folding action. Springs' 86 tend to retain the plates 84 in their retracted or inoperative positions, these positions being xed through the action of studs 88 mounted onV the frame A andslidable within appropriately shaped slots 90 in the plates 8d. The passageways 92 beneath the table 2y within which the plates 84 slide are preferably somewhat higher than the thickness of the plates 84, protrusions 94 being formed on the plates in. order to provide for proper. t.

In order to move the folding members C to their operative position, an additional plate 96 is slidably mounted beneath the table 2, that plate having a down-turned portion 98 extending forwardly from the frame A and having inner inclined edges |00 adaptedA to. engage correspondingly inclined edges |00 of the plates 84 when the plate 96 is moved inwardly. (See Fig. l.) A finger |02 depends from the plate 96, and spring |04 is attached thereto so as to urge the plate 96 toward the front of the machine and away from the plates 84. When the arm 8 is moved to its horizontal position, so that thev form B passes through the opening 6 in the table 2 and below the folding members C, the depending portion 58 of the lever 48comes opposite the downwardly bent portion 98 of the plater 96 so that, when the handleV 46 and the lever 48k are pivoted in a clockwise direction with respect t0 the arm 8, thev portion 58` of the lever 48 will engage the downwardly bent portion 98 of the plate 96 and slide that plate inwardly until the edges |00 thereof engage the edges |00 of the plates 84. Further inward motion of the plate 96, as caused by continued: clockwise rotation of the handle 46, will cause thesurfaces |00 and |00 to, slide upon one anothergthusforcing the plates 84 inwardly over the form B to their operative folding positions andV causing the upstanding edges of the fabric sheet 34 toV bend about the edges 32 of the form B.

The pressing member D takes the form of' a` rigid plate |06, heated in` any appropriate manner, as through the use of electrically heated elements |01 attached directly thereto, which is positioned below the opening 6. in the table 2 so that the form Bis movable to a-positionthere-v above, means F beingprovided to lift the pressing member D upwardly to its operative pressing position when a pressing operation is desired.

When the means F is not active on the pressing member D to lift it to operative pressing position, the plate |06 rests in its normal inoperative position spaced below the folding members C. The optimum spacing between pressing member D and folding members C, for a given.

thickness of form B, will depend upon the thickness and body of Vthelmaterial which constitutes the fabric sheet34.` Ifv thisspacingis too great a looserfoldingeect will, result. .If this rrspacingelement` 60 i and hencel without opening the valve 6 isi/too close the, fabric might be damaged ini the course of folding. Even within useable limits, variations in the amount of spacing will. determine the force with which the foldingI members C will pull the fabric tautly around the edges 32 of the form B. In order to provide for adjustment of the normal position of the plate |06, screws |08 and |09 are mounted in cross bars ||0 and which are secured to the frame A below the table 2, the tips of these screws extending upwardly adjacent the edges of the plate |06 so as to normally support the plate in its inoperative position.

In order to permit ready adjustment of that 1 normal position, the means J is provided, that means J comprising rst element ||3 having an inclined lower surface ||2 secured to and depending from the plate |06. When the plateV |06. is in its normal position this surface ||2 is adapted to rest upon a second element i4 which is threadedly mounted on screw ||6 the inner end of which passes through cross bar and. the. outer end of which extends through the front wall |20 of the apparatus and terminates in acontrol knob |22. Rotation of the knob |22 causes rotation of the screw ||6 and translation ofthe second element I4 toward and away from the first element H0, the inclined wedge type of engagement between the second element I4 and the surface H2 of the rst element ||3 causing the rst element I3 to rise or fall as the second element ||4 moves inwardly or outwardly, thus imparting corresponding motion to the pressing member D in its normal position. For mostv variations in fabric this type of adjustment of the normal position of the pressing member D is satisfactory, even though it may involve what is essentially a pivotal movement of the plate |06 about the rear screws |03, since little or no folding action occurs at the rear of the form. If this type of adjustment is not adequate, the` screws |08 and |00 may also have their positions changed relative to the cross bars H0 and i||, but this is not as readilly accomplished.

The means F for moving the pressing member Bto its operative pressing position comprises a finger |24 carried on lever |26 pivotally mounted 0n bolt |28 depending from the cross bar lli, the lever |26 extending out through the front wall 20 of the machine and being attached to link |30 which leads to a suitable foot treadle mechanism (not shown). A spring |32 tends to bias the lever |26 to its counter-clockwise position, thus permitting the pressing means D to assume its normal position, but pressure exerted by the operator upon the foot treadle overcomes the action of the spring |32, causes the lever |26 to pivot in a clockwise direction and lifts the plate |06 to its operative pressing position. It should be noted that in this position the pressing members C are wedged in their passageways 92 so that they will notmove to retracted or inoperative position even when the plate 96 moves away from them so long as the pressing member D is in its operative position.

The means G for locking the pressing member Din itsoperative position and releasing it from that position comprises a pendulous arm |34 which is pivotaily mounted at |36 on the lever |26, the lower extremity of the arm carrying a head 638 having a projecting tooth portion |40 which, when the lever |26 is pivoted in. a clockwise direction so that the pressing member D isy moved toV operative position, engages in opening |42k in. thefront. wall4 |20 ofthe machine.v The center of gravity of'the'head |38 is so related toi the pivot point |36 that the arm |34 constantly tends to pivot in a counter-clockwise direction, the head |38 thus acting as a pivotal biasing means thereon, so that engagement between the tooth |40 and the opening |42 is facilitated. To initiate a pressing action the operator need merely step upon the foot treadle so as to bring the pressing member D to operative position, engagement between the tooth |40 and the opening |42 retaining the pressing member D in its operative position, thus permitting the operator to release pressure from the foot treadle.

The arm |34 has an upward extension |44 against which the nger |02 depending from the plate 96 presses when the plate 96 is moved outwardly under the action of the spring |04. This exerts a force on the arm |34 tending to pivot it in a counterclockwise direction, the spring |04 thus acting as a pivotal biasing means active in opposition to the biasing action of the head |38, the effect of the spring |04 being greater than the effect of the head |38. Hence when the plate 96 is not positively moved inwardly, as will be the case at all times except when the arm 6 is parallel to the table 2 and the handle 46 is pivoted in a clockwise direction, the spring |04 acting through the finger |02 will tend to move the arm |34 in a clockwise direction so as to release engagement between the tooth |40 and the opening |42. While the pressing member D is locked in operative position, the tooth |40 is held so strongly against the upper surface of the opening |42 that disengagement is impossible. (See Fig. 2.) However, when the operator next steps upon the treadle, thus pivoting the lever |26 to a somewhat greater degree in a clockwise direction, this force is released, the action of the spring |04 prevails and the arm |34 is pivoted in a clockwise direction. When the operator then releases the foot treadle the lever |26, aided by the spring |32, will pivot back in a counter-clockwise direction, the tooth |40 will be removed from the opening |42 and the pressing member will drop back to its normal inoperative position. (See F'ig. 3.)

rThe sequence of steps in use of the machine is as follows: The operator, while the machine assumes the position shown in Fig. 3, will place the fabric sheet 34 to be folded over the opening 6 in the table 2. He will then grasp the handle 46 and, without moving the handle relative to the arm 8, move the arm 8 downwardly to its position parallel to the table 2, the form B moving through the opening 6 and beneath the folding members C, portions of the fabric sheet 34 which extend beyond the edges 32 of the form B thus being bent to a substantially upright position. The handle 46 will then be pivoted in a clockwise direction. This will have two effects. As in the machine of Patent No. 2,317,817, the portion 58 of the lever 48 will force the plate 96 inwardly and this in turn will move the folding members C to their operative position overlapping the edges 32 of the form B so as to fold the upstanding portions of the fabric sheet 34 therearound. At the same time, the cam follower 82 will be drawn over the cam surface on the element 60 and will open the valve 42 for a short period of time while the cam follower 32 is negotiating abrupt step l2. This will cause steam to be directed via the passages 36 at those portions of the fabric sheet 34 which are to be folded around the edges 32 of the form B, this preferably being accomplished before those fabric portions are actually folded down by the folding members C. For routine operations the operator need pay no attention to this operation, since the duration of the application of steam and the time in the folding cycle at which the steam is applied are all taken care of without his direct attention through appropriate design of the cam surface on the element 60. If, however, for some special reason it is desired to apply steam for a longer period of time than usual, a little practice will permit the operator to feel just when the cam follower 82 has started to negotiate the abrupt step 12, and if pivotal motion of the handle 46 is stopped at that point, the valve 42 will remain open, and steam will continue to be applied, for as long as is desired.

Once the folding members C have been moved to operative position and while they are held in that position by retaining the handle 46 in its operative position, pivoted clockwise all the way, the operator steps on the foot treadle and moves the pressing member D upwardly so at to press the fabric sheet 34 against the form B and against the overlapping portions of the folding members C. This upward movement of the pressing member D wedges the folding members C in operative position, in which position they will be retained without any additional force being applied. At the moment that the pressing member D first moves to operative position, the plate 96 must necessarily be moved inwardly in order that the folding member be operatively positioned. Hence the finger |02 depending therefrom does not engage the upwardly extending portion |44 of the arm |34, that arm is biased by its head |38 so as to pivot in a counter-clockwise direction, and consequently the tooth engages in the opening |42. When pressure upon the foot treadle is released the tooth-opening engagement will lock the pressing member D in its operative position. The handle is then released, the spring 52 causes it to pivot in a counter-clockwise direction, and the spring |04 causes the plate 96 to move outwardly. As the handle 46 pivots in a counter-clockwise direction the cam follower 82 moves from the top level 10 of the cam surface on the element to the bottom level 68 thereof, but without opening the valve 42. The plate 96 moves outwardly until the pin |02 engages the the arm |44, but the force involved in the engagement of the tooth |40 with the upper surface of opening |44 does not permit any further motion of the plate 96.

To terminate the pressing operation the operator again steps upon the foot treadle, thus causing a slight further clockwise pivoting of the lever |26 so as to release the tooth |40 from firm engagement with the opening |42. this is done the spring |04 pulls the plate 96 outwardly, engagement between the pin |02 and the arm |44 causes the arm |34 to pivot in a clockwise direction, the tooth |40 is moved out of the opening |42, and release of the foot treadle permits the lever |26 to pivot in a counterclockwise direction and the pressing member D to move to its normal inoperative position. When this occurs the folding members C, no longer wedged in the passageways 92, will spring back to their inoperative positions, and the spring I2 will lift the arm 8 and the form B to their upper position shown in Fig. 3, at which time the folded and pressed fabric sheet 34 can be removed from the form B.

Throughout the operation of the machine only one hand of the operator, the one which grasps the handle 46, is required for manipulation, the other hand being left free for adjustment and WhenA orientation of ithe -fabriolsheet or for any 'other purpose. While the pressing operation is taking place, that being lthe only single operation which involves any appreciable period of time, theoperator lis'entirely free, since he does not leven have yto maintain pressure 'on the Vfoot treadle. Despite this extreme'simplicityaof operation and the-lack of any requirementof sustained effort or exertion on the lpart of the op- 'erator, an additional function has been vadded over vthose produced by the vmachine of Patent No. 2,317,817, to'witfthe timed application of a jet of steam at the very point desired, at Athe very time most eifective, and for aperiod of `time best adapted to produce optimum results.

While but a single embodiment ofthe present -invention has beenherefdisclosed, it will be'ap- `parent that the details thereof may be `varied Widely within'the spirit ofthe invention as deiined in the followingclaims.

-Il claim:

`1. -In a folding and pressing machine "having a frame, a form on said frame around an'edge of which a sheet is'to'be folded, a-foldingmem- 'ber mounted on-said frame so as to be Amovable betweenan operative position overlapping said form, in Awhich position said sheet is folded varound said-form edge thereby, andan inoperative positionbeyond-said form, a pressing'member mounted onsaid frame'so as tobe movable between an operative position in which said sheet is pressed lagainstsaidform vso as to rtake the shape-thereof and an inoperative position in which no substantial pressure is exerted thereagainst, and means for moving said pressing member and said folding member; the improve- 'mentwhich comprises a lock element operatively connected to said'pressingmember, first biasing means active on'said lock element so as 'to urge it to engaging position, means on said Aframe cooperable with said lock element when it is in engaging position and when said `pressing `member is fin operative position so-astoretain said pressing member in said position, a releasing element engageable with said lock element, second biasing means'stronger than said first biasing means operatively connected to vsaid releasing element so as to urge itin such `a direction as to tend to move said lock element engaged thereby out of engaging position, and an operative Vconnection between said vv-re leasing element and said meansfor'moving said folding 'member, said releasing element v.being kpositioned thereby against the action of said se'cond biasing means in an inoperative position with respect to said lock element vwhen said moving `means ispositioned so as to move said lfolding member to operative position.

'2. Thefolding and pressing machine of claim 1, in'which said lock element .comprises a pivotally mounted pendulum having a head the weight of which biases said element .to move to- "means for moving said folding member l'comprises a plate slidable in said frame abovesaid lock element, said releasing member beingvconnected to, depending from, and movable with said plate and engageable -with said pendulum.

4. The folding and pressing machine of claim 1, in which said means for -moving said folding member comprises afplate slidable in said frame, said releasing member being connected to and movable withsaid plate.

5. 'In a folding andpressing machine having a frame, a form on said frame around an edgeof which a sheet is to be folded, a folding member mounted on said frame so as to be movable between an operative position overlapping said form, in which position said sheet is folded around said form edge thereby, and an inoperative position beyondsaid form, a pressing member mounted on said frame so as to be movable between an operative position in which said sheet is pressed against said form'so as to take the shape thereof and an inoperative position in which no substantial pressure is exerted thereagainst, and means for moving said pressing member and said folding member; the improvement which comprises a lock element operatively connected to said pressing member, rst biasing means active on said lock element so as to'urge it to engaging position, means-on said frame cooperable with said lock element when it is in engaging position and when said pressing member is in operative position so as to retain-said pressing member in said position, a releasing element engageable with said lock element, second biasing means stronger than said rst biasing means operatively connected to said means for moving said folding member so as to urge said moving means to a biased position corresponding to the inoperative position of said folding member, and an operative connection between said moving means and said releasing element, said releasing element being positioned in engagement with said lockelement and being urged Kin a direction to vmove said lock element out of engaging position when said folding member moving means is in its biased position.

6. In a fabric folding ymachine inoludin-g a frame, fa form on said frame around an edge of which a sheet is to be folded, a folding member mountedon-said frame so as to be movable between -an operative position overlapping vsaid form, in which position said sheet is folded around saidformedge thereby, and an inoperative position Ybeyond said form, and a handle operatively connected to said folding member for moving-the latter, said handlebeing movable between operative and inoperative positions corresponding respectively to the operative and inoperative positions of said folding member; lthe erative position or is being l'moved from thev former tothe latter, and assuming another position in which said valve is openedwhen said handle is in a position intermediate between its operative Vandinoperative positions and is being ymoved from the latter tothe former.

7. A fabric folding machine comprising a frame, a form mounted thereon around'anie'dge of which a sheetistobefoldedya steam'ieeding system on said frame having an outlet adjacent 11 said form, a normally closed valve in said steam feeding system, a handle articulately mounted on said frame so as to be movable between first and second positions, and a valve actuating linkage operatively connected between said valve and said handle, said linkage including parts operatively engageable for a short period of time only when said handle is in a position intermediate between its first and second positions and is being moved from the latter to the former, said loperative interengagement, so long as it lasts,

being effective to open said valve.

8. The fabric folding machine of claim 7, in which said form and said handle are mounted on an arm which is articulately mounted on said frame so as to be movable between positions in which said form is adjacent to or remote from said frame, said handle being adapted to permit movement of said arm when grasped and moved relative to said frame and independently of its movement relative to said arm.

9. The fabric folding machine of claim 8, in which a folding member is mounted on said fra-me so as to be movable between an operative position in which said sheet is folded thereby around said form edge and an inoperative position, and an operative connection between said handle and said folding member, said handle positioning said folding member in its operative position when said handle is in its rst position, said folding member being positioned in its inoperative position when said handle is in its second position.

10. The fabric folding machine of cla-im 7, in which a folding member is mounted on said frame so as to be movable between an operative position in which said sheet is folded thereby around said form edge and an inoperative position, and an operative connection between said handle and said folding member, said handle positioning said folding member in its operative position when said handle is in its first position, said folding member being positioned in its inoperative position when said handle is in its second position.

11. In the fabric folding machine of claim 10, a pressing member mounted on said frame so as to be movable between an operative position in which said sheet is pressed against said frame so as to take the shape thereof and an inoperative position, means for moving said pressing member, a lock element operatively connected to said pressing member, first biasing means active on said lock element so as to urge it to engaging position, means on said frame cooperable with said lock element when it is in engaging position and when said pressing member is in operative position so as to retain said pressing member in said position, a releasing element engageable with said lock element, means for moving said folding member mounted on said frame and operatively connected between said handle and said folding member, second biasing means stronger than said first biasing means operatively connected to said folding member moving means so as to urge it to a biased position corresponding to the inoperative position of said folding member, and an operative connection between said folding member moving means and `said releasing element, said releasing element being positioned in engagement with said lock element and being urged in a direction to move said lock element out of engaging position when said folding member moving means is in its biased position.

12. The fabric folding machine of claim 7, in which said valve actuating linkage comprises a first movable element operatively connected to said valve, said element having a cam surface with an abrupt face, and a second movable 'element operatively connected to said handle and having a cam follower engageable with said cam surface, said cam follower being moved against said abrupt face on said cam surface as said handle is moved from its second to its first position, thereby moving said first element to a position in which said valve is opened.

13. The fabric folding machine of claim 7, in which said valve actuating linkage comprises a first movable element operatively connected to said valve, said element having a cam surface defined by two different levels separated by an abrupt step, and a second movable element operatively connected to said handle, extending toward said first element, and having a cam follower, said second element being biased toward said first element so that said cam follower engages said cam surface and moves thereover as said handle is moved between its first and second positions, said first element assuming a position in which said valve is closed except when said cam follower moves against and over said abrupt step from the lower to the upper level, said cam follower being thus moved as said handle is moved from its second to its rst position.

14. A fabric folding machine comprising a frame, a form support carrying a form around an edge of which a sheet is to be folded, said form support being mounted on said frame so as to be movable between a first position in which said form is remote from said frame and a second position in which said form is adjacent said frame, a folding member mounted on said frame so as to be movable between an operative position overlapping said form when said form is adjacent said table, in which position said sheet is folded around said form edge thereby, and an inoperative position, a steam feeding system mounted on said form support interiorly of the outline of said form and having an outlet oriented outwardly with respect to said form toward said form edge, a normally closed valve in said steam feeding system and on said form support, a handle articulately mounted on said form support so as to be movable between first and second positions relative to said form support, an operative connection between said handle and said folding member, said folding member being moved to operative position when said handle is in its first position and to inoperative position when said handle is in its second position, and a valve actuating linkage operatively connected between said valve and said handle, said linkage assuming one position in which said Valve is closed when said handle is in its first or second positions or is being moved from the former to the latter, and another position in which said valve is opened when said handle is in a position intermediate between its first and second positions and is being moved from the latter to the former.

15. The fabric folding machine of claim 14, in which said valve actuating linkage comprises a first element articulately mounted on said arm and operatively connected to said valve, said element having a cam surface with an abrupt face, and a second element operatively connected to said handle and having a cam follower engageable with said cam surface, said cam follower being moved against said abrupt face of said gee-ssa;

13 cam surface'as said handle is moved from r4its second to its rst position, thereby moving said first element to a position in which said valve is opened.

16. The fabric folding machine of claim 14, in which said valve actuating linkage comprises a rst element articulately mounted on said arm and operatively connected to said valve, said element having a cam surface defined by two different levels separatedby an abrupt step, and a second element articulately connected to said handle, extending toward said first element, .and

.having a. cam follower, said second element beis to be folded, a pressing member mounted on said frame so as to assume a normal position on one side of said form, and means for moving said pressing member away from its normal position into an operative position nearer said form so as topress said sheet thereagainst; the improvement `in the mounting of said pressing member in its normal position which comprises a first element depending from said pressing member, a second element articulately mounted on `said frame and engaged by said first element when said pressing member isin normal position, said engagement being of the inclined wedge type, whereby movement of said second element relative to said first element will cause said first element to move toward or away from said form and impart corresponding motion to said pressing member, and a control member at the front of said frame and operatively connected to said second element for moving the latter manipulation of said control member thus controlling the normal position of said pressing member relative to said form.

18. In a folding and pressing machine having a frame, a form around an edge of which a sheet is to be folded, a pressing member mounted on said frame so as to assume a normalpostion in which it is adjacent and below said form, and means for moving said pressing member upwardly from its normal position into an operative position nearer said form so as to press said sheet thereagainst; the improvement which comprises a rst element depending from said pressing member, a second element mounted on said frame so as to be movable in a substantially horizontal direction and engaged by said first element, said engagement being of the inclined wedge type. whereby movement of said second element relative to said first element will cause said first element to rise or drop and impart corresponding motion to said pressing member, and a control member at the front of said frame and operatively connected to said second element for moving the latter, manipulation of said control member thus controlling the normal position of said. pressing member relative to said form.

19. A fabric folding machine comprising a frame, a form mounted thereon around an edge of which a sheet isto `be folded. a member on said form and having a passage therethrough terminating in an outlet adjacent and inwardly spaced with respect to vsaid form edge, a steam feeding system on said frame including a Vvalve and means -communicating with said form passage, means for controlling said valve, a folding member mounted on said frame so as to be movable between an operative position overlapping said form, in which position said sheet is folded around said form edge thereby, and an inoperative position beyond said form, a handle operatively connected to said folding member for moving the latter, said handle being movable between operative and inoperative positions corresponding respectively to the operative andinoperative positions of said folding member, and-an operative connection between said handle and said valve controlling means `for automatically coordinating the escape of steam from said outlet with the relative positions of said folding member.

20. In a fabric folding machine including a frame, a form on said frame around an edge of which a sheet is to be folded, a folding member mounted on said frame so as to be movable 'between an operative position overlapping said form, in which position said sheet is folded around said form edge thereby, and an inoperative position beyond said form, an a handle operatively connected to said folding member for moving the latter, said handle being movable between operative and inoperative positions corresponding respectively to the operative and inoperative positions of said folding member; the

improvement which comprises a steam feeding system on said frame and including a valve, said system having an outlet adjacent said form, and a valve actuating linkage operatively connected between said valve and said handle for automatically coordinating the escape of steam from said outlet with the relative positions of said folding member.

21. The fabric folding machine of claim 19, in which said form, said member, said handle and said valve are all mounted on said frame for simultaneous movement toward and away from said folding member.

22. The fabric folding machine of claim 19, in which said form, said member, said handle and said valve are all mounted on said frame for simultaneous movement toward and away from said folding member, and in which biasing means are provided active on said simultaneously movable elements for urging them away from lsaid folding member.

23. The fabric folding machine of claim 20. in whichsaid form, said steam valve and outlet, and said handle are all mounted on said frame for simultaneous movement toward and away from said folding member.

24. The fabric folding machine of claim 23, in which biasing means are provided active on said simultaneously moving elements for urging them away from said folding member.

v25. In a fabric folding machine including a frame, a form on said frame around an edge of which a sheet is to be folded, a fol-ding mem- 'ber mounted on said frame so as to be movable between an operative position overlapping said form, in which position said sheet is folded around said form edge thereby, and an inoperative position beyond said form, and a handle operatively connected to said folding member for moving the latter, said handle being movable between operative and inoperative positions A corresponding respectively to the operative and inoperative positions of said folding member, the

improvement which comprises a steam feeding system on said frame and including a valve, said system having an outlet adjacent said form, and a valve actuating linkage operatively conriectel between said valve and said handle and including two interengaging parts, one part operatively connected to said valve and urged to a direction such as to place said valve in one condition, the other part operatively connected to said handle and urged against said one part so as to tend to urge said one part in the opposite direction and place said valve in another condition, the force of said other part being insufficient to thus move said one part, said one part having a stepped :cam surface and said other part sliding therealong and over the step in said cam surface when said handle is moved, movement of said other part over said step in one direction camming said one part in said opposite direction so as to effectively place said valve in said other condition.

26. The fabric folding machine of claim 25, in which said valve is closed when in one condition and open when in said other condition.

27. A fabric folding machine comprising a frame, a form mounted thereon around an edge of which a sheet is to be folded, a steam feeding system on said frame having an outlet adjacent said form, a valve in said steam feeding system, a handle articulately mounted on said frame so as to be movable between first and second positions, and a valve actuating linkage operatively connected between said valve and said handle and including two interengaging parts, one part operatively connected to said valve and urged to a direction such as to place said valve in one condition, the other part operatively connected to said handle and urged against said one part so as to tend to urge said one part in the opposite direction and place said valve in another condition, the force of said other part being insufficient to thus move said one part. said one part having a stepped cam surface and said other part sliding therealong and overl the step in said cam surface when said handle is moved, movement of said other part over said step in one direction, corresponding to a position of said handle intermediate between its first and second positions and while said handle is being moved in one direction therebetween, camming said one part in said opposite direction so as to effectively place said valve in said other condition, said valve being closed when in said one condition and open when in said other condition.

28. The fabric folding machine of claim 27, in which said form and said handle are mounted on an arm which is articulately mounted on said frame so as to be movable between positions in which said form is adjacent to or remote from said frame, said handle being adapted to cause movement of said arm when grasped and moved relative to said frame and independently of its movement relative to said arm.

29. The fabric folding machine of claim 28, in

vwhich a folding mmeber is mounted on said frame so as to be movable between an operative posi- :tion in which said sheet is folded thereby around which a folding member is mounted on said frame so as to be movable between an operative position in which said sheet is folded thereby around said form edge and an inoperative position, and an operative connection between said handle and said folding member, said handle positioning said folding member in its operative position when said handle is in its rst position, said folding member being positioned in its inoperative position when said handle is in its second position.

31. In the fabric folding machine of claim 30, a pressing member mounted on said frame so as to be movable between an operative position in which said sheet is pressed against said form so as to take the shape thereof and an inoperative position, means for moving said pressing member, a lock element operatively connected to said pressing member, rst biasing means active on said lock element so as to urge it to engaging position, means on said frame cooperable with said lock element when it is in engaging position and when said pressing member is in operative position so as to retain said pressing member in said position, a releasing element engageable with said lock element, means for moving said folding member mounted on said frame and operatively connected between said handle and said folding member, second biasing means stronger than said first biasing means operatively connected to said folding member moving means so as to urge it to a biased position corresponding to the inoperative position of said folding member, and an operative connection between said folding member moving means and said releasing element, said releasing element being positioned in engagement with said lock element and being urged in a direction to move said lock element out of engaging position when said folding member moving means is in its biased position.

32. The fabric folding machine of claim 27, in which said one part of said valve actuating linkage has a cam surface with an abrupt face, and said other part of said valve actuating linkage has a cam follower engageait-le with said cam surface, said cam follower being moved against said abrupt face on said cam surface as said handle is moved from its second to its first position, thereby moving said first element to a position in which said valve is opened.

33. The fabric folding machine of claim 27, in which said one part of said valve actuating linkage has a cam surface defined by two different levels separated by an abrupt step, and said other part of said valve actuating linkage has a cam follower, said other part being biased toward said one part so that said cam follower engages said cam surface and moves thereover as said handle is moved between its first and second positions, said one part assuming a position in which said valve is closed except when said cam follower moves against and over said abrupt step from the lower to the upper level, said cam follower being thus moved as said handle is moved from its second to its rst position.

JACOB SILVERMAN.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,996,714 Beede Apr. 2, 1935 2,317,817 Silverman Apr. 27, 1943 2,562,398 Silverman M r l v July 31, 1951 

